Government-business relations aid trade

Update:
March, 27/2013 - 10:55

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HCM CITY (VNS)— Close relationships between enterprises and the Government can improve business competitiveness and help the country better integrate into the global economy, said a senior trade official.

Speaking yesterday at a two-day workshop on trade remedies and financial management held in HCM City, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh said that better understanding of business challenges helped the Government update or amend policies.

Close relations can also be beneficial during negotiations of free trade agreements with other countries.

"These close relations will help the Government in the process of integrating into the world economy as well as in negotiating agreements," he added.

Many participants at the seminar agreed with Anh, noting that Vietnamese companies must also prepare thoroughly for global integration.

Other participants warned that trade conflicts with foreign partners had increased and would inevitably occur this year and in coming years.

"Enterprises should have a rich knowledge about these issues. These issues are the concern of not only the Government but also of enterprises," one workshop attendee said.

Several participants pointed out the challenges of the last few years, but also noted that Viet Nam had achieved many good results during the global recession.

Rajesh Aggarwal, the International Trade Centre's chief of business and trade policy, said Viet Nam had performed well since becoming a member of the World Trade Organisation.

For example, it had a better investment environment with simple procedures, a high competition index and lower taxes.

In the first quarter of this year, the country had a trade surplus of US$400 million. Many exports in agriculture and seafood gained high value, with many new markets.

During the seminar, experts and lecturers provided information about issues related to financial management and trade policies.

The seminar was organised by the International Trade Centre and the College of Business Administration and Management. — VNS